The Celtics expressed interest in Carmelo Anthony before the trade deadline, according to an ESPN.com report. Two NBA sources told The Post that interest was not expressed to Knicks officials and no talks took place between the teams.
Sources indicated the Celtics asked advisers of Carmelo Anthony if the Knicks star still was entrenched in not waiving his no-trade clause. The ESPN report stated it was still unclear if the Knicks and Celtics had trade talks.
Anthony posted a message on Instagram Thursday, stating “Don’t Believe the Noise.’’ #Focused #StayMe70.”
Anthony is represented by Creative Artists Agency, and indications are it wants Anthony to keep an open mind about his future. During the Knicks’ crash in December of last season’s 17-65 wreckage, The Post reported Anthony was having thoughts on waiving his no-trade clause if Knicks president Phil Jackson struck a deal to a contender.
At the time, Leon Rose, Anthony’s CAA agent, said, “Carmelo, as always, is committed to the Knicks” and added the report is “utter nonsense.”
Knicks president Phil Jackson has taken pains since taking over to lessen the influence CAA has had on the organization in the past.
Ex-Knicks Andrea Bargnani and J.R. Smith are both represented by CAA, which has not been welcomed with open arms by the new regime.
Anthony said in training camp he’s “here to stay’’ but during All-Star Weekend admitted he eventually would talk to his “team’’ of agents about the future, and his mood has deteriorated amid the losing. Anthony said Wednesday he looks forward to meeting with Jackson to talk about the future.